I attended the 2010 Olympia Expo over the weekend and as much as I detest the politics that mar the sport, being around the scene made me miss the competitive aspect of the sport.  I miss having something to train hard for … I miss the experience of watching my body transform itself from off-season bulk into show-shape granite.

Admittedly, I haven't followed much of the hype surrounding the Olympia competitors, but I did know that Jay Cutler was the incumbent, and everyone else included the likes of Phil Heath (Jay's protege), Dexter Jackson, Branch Warren, Kai Green, Victor Martinez, Dennis Wolf, and many others.  I missed prejudging as my flight got into Vegas at 9:30PM, but IFBB Pro Lionel "L-Train" Brown kept me updated.  Lionel and I became good friends back in 2005 shortly after I turned pro … he is a class-act when it comes to what professionalism means.  Many of my IFBB peers are too self-absorbed to give back to the fans that help make the sport successful.  Thank goodness there are guys like Jay Cutler for Lionel and I to emulate.  Jay always makes time for everyone (I have witnessed this on many occasions) and goes above and beyond with his guest appearances.

I really thought everyone brought a GREAT package to the Olympia stage.  Most of the time, there will be a few guys who come in too soft or flat, but the 2010 Olympia brought the best out of everyone.  I was expecting a better showing from Kai Green, but he still looked great (although not his best).  Now the real question … DID JAY DESERVE THE WIN?  Although I do believe Phil Heath and Branch Warren both brought exceptional packages to the stage, Jay deserved to win because he was simply not off.  I also believe that Phil will eventually take over the crown as he is the youngest on stage and has many more years to accomplish the goal.  Again, it is a rarity that everyone shows up in great shape … 2010 was one of those exceptional years.